We will not allow imposition of candidates, says David Mark
The national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark has assured that the party will not give room for the imposition of candidates ahead of the 2027
The national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark has assured that the party will not give room for the imposition of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Senator Mark, speaking in Umuahia, the Abia State capital during the commencement of the party's Membership Mobilisation, Registration, and Revalidation (MMRR) drive, called on members of the coalition to spread the message to the grassroots.
Senator Mark, represented by the National Welfare Secretary of the party, Nkem Ukandu, stated that the exercise was a conscious effort to restructure and legitimise the Party.
He affirmed that due process will not be bypassed, and candidates of the party will emerge through credibility and meritocracy, which is the key difference between ADC and other parties.
He emphasised that no democracy can survive without transparency, fairness, and inclusion.
“We are not unprepared or disorganised. We will not allow administrative bottlenecks to hinder the party's progress.”
Speaking further, the former Senate President said the leadership of the party in Abia State will be determined through legitimate processes, not claims or the support of a stakeholder, but by giving everybody a chance to belong.
“If you seek a political home where your voice matters and your interests are protected, then come to ADC. ADC stands firmly on principles of fairness, accountability, and transparency.
"ADC in Abia State remains united, and the door is open to all. Abia will not be sidelined or disillusioned but will actively participate in the democratic process.”
Contributing, Dame Ngozi Onuoha Orji, Chairperson of the Membership, Mobilisation, Revalidation, and Registration Committee (MMRR), while welcoming attendees to the event, emphasised that ADC, as an inclusive and people-oriented party, does not discriminate, as evidenced by the launch of the registration process.
"The MMRR aims to provide people with a political home and embodies the spirit of change. A house divided cannot achieve great heights.
"ADC in Abia State must abandon factional mentalities, which is why the registration process has commenced.
"It is ineffective if support is merely based on stakeholder preferences. ADC is a party for everyone, where each member’s rights are protected.
"We must build a party that serves as a reference point, not only in Nigeria but globally. As Peter Obi says, ‘a new Nigeria is possible.’”
In their goodwill messages, former Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon. Suleiman Ukandu, described ADC as a ‘political Messiah’ and encouraged all in the State, asserting that the party has many programmes and a manifesto that will be clearly communicated.
Hon. Uko Nkole, a former member of the House of Representatives expressed that the exercise is inclusive and compared politics to a casket borne by everyone.
Nkole called for unity among the people in the registration drive.
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A chieftain of the Party, Mr Ike Bishop called on the youth to engage actively, noting that grassroots information is vital. He stressed that without unity, enforcement of peace, and readiness, victory in elections for the State House of Assembly, National Assembly, and Presidency would be impossible.
In a vote of thanks, Barrister Etiegbe Uwa SAN commended the members for their widespread participation and highlighted that party registration is a crucial step towards electoral success.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a new national party membership card, which will be distributed to each Local Government Area (LGA) and subsequently to various wards.
A new party register was also presented. The National Party Welfare Secretary warned that no other party register exists aside from the official one given to the 184 wards which contains security numbers and urged all members to be vigilant as no other register exists apart from the ones presented.
Present at the event were also the member representing Abia South Senatorial District Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hon. Uko Nkole, Dame Ngozi Onuoha Orji, Mr Chinenye Igwe, Hon. Nkem Ukandu (representing the National Chairman), Mazi Kalu O. Kalu, Barrister Kalu O Kalu, Chief Uchenna Okagbuo, Pastor Uchendu (ADC Abia State Secretary), former SSG for Abia State, Dr. Eme Okoro, Honourable Chinwendu Apugo, Rt. Hon. Eziuche Ubani, Barrister Suleiman Ukandu, Comrade Paul Ogechi Nwagbala (Assistant Youth Party leader Southeast), Chief Lawrence (in MMRR), Barrister Longman Emeka Nwachukwu, Ugoeze Obioma, and numerous other dignitaries.
